Khosalu Puro
Updated Mon, May 4, 2026 at 9:43 PM EDT
High school NIL rules are the new recruiting battleground. For months, Ryan Day has used Ohio’s friendly athletic laws to easily lock down top local talent. Indiana just noticed the massive leak in their own backyard, and on May 4, they finally gave Curt Cignetti the exact same structural weapon.
Starting in the 2026-27 school year, high school athletes in Indiana can officially sign NIL deals. The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) approved the move on May 4, allowing what it calls “Personal Branding Activities.” This allows high school players to monetize themselves, not just through their schools. But it’s a little different from how college NIL works.
“Unlike the current college system, where schools often play a direct role in NIL compensation, the new rule keeps high schools out of arranging or funding deals for student-athletes,” Paul Neidig, IHSAA Commissioner, said. “Instead, it allows students to benefit independently from their school, without using school branding or representing school-sponsored endorsements. It creates a clear distinction between the college model and the educational mission of high school athletics.”
But don’t confuse restrictions with irrelevance because this is a big deal. Indiana was dealing with a problem. They had top-tier talent looking across state lines and seeing opportunities they didn’t have at home. And that becomes a recruiting problem for Curt Cignetti’s football program and other sports, too. But now it’s gone. Look at Monshun Sales. The five-star Lawrence North wide receiver is a top 2027 target weighing offers from both Indiana and Ohio State. Because this rule kicks in before his graduation, it directly impacts his decision.
more: Indiana Follows in Ohio State’s Footsteps to Give Curt Cignetti the Ryan Day Advantage
Updated Mon, May 4, 2026 at 9:43 PM EDT
High school NIL rules are the new recruiting battleground. For months, Ryan Day has used Ohio’s friendly athletic laws to easily lock down top local talent. Indiana just noticed the massive leak in their own backyard, and on May 4, they finally gave Curt Cignetti the exact same structural weapon.
Starting in the 2026-27 school year, high school athletes in Indiana can officially sign NIL deals. The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) approved the move on May 4, allowing what it calls “Personal Branding Activities.” This allows high school players to monetize themselves, not just through their schools. But it’s a little different from how college NIL works.
“Unlike the current college system, where schools often play a direct role in NIL compensation, the new rule keeps high schools out of arranging or funding deals for student-athletes,” Paul Neidig, IHSAA Commissioner, said. “Instead, it allows students to benefit independently from their school, without using school branding or representing school-sponsored endorsements. It creates a clear distinction between the college model and the educational mission of high school athletics.”
But don’t confuse restrictions with irrelevance because this is a big deal. Indiana was dealing with a problem. They had top-tier talent looking across state lines and seeing opportunities they didn’t have at home. And that becomes a recruiting problem for Curt Cignetti’s football program and other sports, too. But now it’s gone. Look at Monshun Sales. The five-star Lawrence North wide receiver is a top 2027 target weighing offers from both Indiana and Ohio State. Because this rule kicks in before his graduation, it directly impacts his decision.
more: Indiana Follows in Ohio State’s Footsteps to Give Curt Cignetti the Ryan Day Advantage
